After 136 years, one of history’s greatest crime mysteries may finally be solved. Recent DNA analysis has provided what researcher Russell Edwards calls a “100 per cent” match linking Polish-born barber Aaron Kosminski to the infamous Jack the Ripper murders. This breakthrough has reignited discussions around the case, leading many to revisit films inspired by the Ripper’s reign of terror.
If you’re looking for the perfect movie to watch in light of this revelation, there’s no better choice than Alfred Hitchcock’s silent-era masterpiece The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (1927).
Why The Lodger: A Story Of The London Fog is a Must-Watch
Though Hitchcock never explicitly names Jack the Ripper in The Lodger, the film is heavily influenced by the real-life events surrounding the murders. The story follows a mysterious tenant who checks into a London lodging house just as a serial killer, known as the Avenger, begins terrorizing the city. With every new killing, suspicion grows around the lodger, leading to a thrilling and suspenseful climax that explores mob mentality and the dangers of jumping to conclusions.
This silent classic, widely regarded as Hitchcock’s first true masterpiece, captures the eerie fog-drenched streets of London, immersing viewers in a city gripped by fear—just as it was during the Ripper’s killing spree in 1888. With its haunting cinematography and masterful storytelling, The Lodger is a film that remains as gripping today as it was nearly a century ago.
The Real-Life Connection
Now that Aaron Kosminski has been identified through DNA evidence as Jack the Ripper, The Lodger takes on even greater significance. Kosminski, a mentally ill Polish immigrant, had long been suspected but was never formally charged. The recent forensic breakthrough comes from a bloodstained shawl found at the crime scene of one of the Ripper’s victims, Catherine Eddowes. A modern DNA match between Kosminski’s living relatives and genetic material from the shawl has strengthened the case against him.
If Edwards’ findings are accepted in court, this could bring long-awaited closure to the descendants of the victims. The fear and hysteria that gripped Victorian London—brilliantly depicted in The Lodger—now feel even more real knowing that the true killer has finally been unmasked.
A Hitchcock Classic Worth Revisiting
The Lodger holds an impressive 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.3/10 on IMDb, proving that its impact has lasted through the decades. Hitchcock’s ability to create tension and suspense in a silent film is unparalleled, and watching it now, in light of the new Jack the Ripper revelations, adds another layer of intrigue.
Also, Read – The 20 Best Movies of Alfred Hitchcock, Ranked
For those fascinated by true crime and classic cinema, The Lodger is not just an entertaining thriller—it’s a historical piece that captures the terror of a time when London was haunted by an unknown predator. And now, with modern science finally catching up, it serves as a haunting reminder of how the fear of an unseen killer can grip an entire city.
So, if you’re looking to dive into a film that echoes the latest discovery in one of history’s most chilling cases, The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog should be at the top of your list.
Where to Watch The Lodger: A Story Of The London Fog
If you’re intrigued by the latest Jack the Ripper findings, there’s never been a better time to watch The Lodger. The film is available to stream on Prime Video, The Criterion Channel, and Max. It’s also available to stream for free on Plex and Darkroom. Whether you’re a Hitchcock fan, a history buff, or just someone who loves a good mystery, this film is a must-watch.
The search for Jack the Ripper’s identity may finally be over, but The Lodger remains a timeless thriller that continues to captivate audiences. Now, with modern forensic science finally catching up to history, it’s time to revisit one of the best films inspired by one of the world’s most infamous criminals.
